By: Estes S.B. No. 570
(Sheffield)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of fireworks at certain Texas Department of
Transportation rest areas; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 203,
Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. USE [LEASE] OF CERTAIN PROPERTY
SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 203, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 203.112 to read as follows:
Sec. 203.112. PROHIBITION OR RESTRICTION OF FIREWORKS AT
REST AREA. (a) In this section, "rest area" means public real
property designated as a rest area, comfort station, picnic area,
roadside park, or scenic overlook by the department.
(b) The commission by order shall prohibit or restrict the
use of fireworks at a state highway rest area in the unincorporated
area of a county if:
(1) the commissioners court of the county petitions
the commission to adopt the order; and
(2) the county pays the department for the costs of
designing, constructing, and erecting signs at the rest area giving
notice of the order.
(c) After an order is adopted under Subsection (b), the
department shall erect signs at the rest area giving notice of the
order. If a sign is damaged or destroyed, the department shall
replace the sign if the county:
(1) submits to the department a written request for
replacement; and
(2) pays the department for the costs of constructing
and replacing the sign.
(d) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates a
prohibition or restriction established by an order adopted under
this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection
is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.